ZERO Institute’s ECR Network DPhil Writing Retreat

Eleanor Pritchard, writing skills Robert Holtom, presentation skills

  • Start  Tuesday 20 May 2025 10:00am
  • Finish    Friday 23 May 2025 1:30pm
  • Venue  Holywell House
  • Postcode OX2 0ES
  • Register for event
Zero Carbon Energy Research at Oxford - the ZERO Institute

Embarking on a DPhil is far from a linear path – especially when it comes to writing. To support early-stage researchers through one of the most challenging parts of the journey, the ZERO Institute’s ECR Network is hosting a 4-day DPhil Writing Retreat. Held in Osney Mead. This retreat combines focused writing time with expert-led workshops on academic writing and presentation skills, aiming to create a distraction-free environment, participants will have the space, structure, and support to progress with their work.

Participation is free of charge, lunch, tea and coffee will be provided!

Who is this for?
Though the program is mostly tailored to DPhil students in their first year, we do encourage applications from graduate students at other stages, including second year MPhil students.

Eligibility criteria
You may be completing your graduate studies in any discipline, however, your research must be linked to the Net Zero energy transitions

Places are limited and early registration is strongly encouraged.

For any questions regarding the programme, please get in touch with coordinator Anastasiia Rudkovska on anastasiia.rudkovska@hmc.ox.ac.uk.

Below is the programme structure.

Day 1
09:30-10:00 – Arrivals & Coffee
10:00-13:00 – Expert-led session
From Thinking to Structure: A foundation-building session focusing on what makes doctoral writing distinctive and how to approach it strategically
13:00-14:00 – Networking Lunch
14:00-17:00 – Writing Time

Day 2
09:30-10:00 – Arrivals & Coffee
10:00-13:00 – Expert-led session
Refining and Guiding: A skill-building session focusing on revising and improving clarity in technical writing
13:00-14:00 – Networking Lunch
14:00-17:00 – Writing Time

Day 3
09:30-10:00 – Arrivals & Coffee10:00-13:00 – Expert-led session
Presentation and Speaking Skills: What will set you apart?
13:00-14:00 – Networking Lunch
14:00-17:00 – Writing Time

Day 4
09:30 – 12:30 – Practical Tips Session with Postdoctoral Researchers
12:30 – 13:30 – Programme closing and feedback

Further details on the ZERO Institute website here